Root Canal in Loves Park IL
A root canal, or root canal therapy, also called endodontic therapy, endodontic treatment, or root canal treatment, is a procedure for the infected pulp of a tooth which will eliminate the infection and protect the tooth from future infections.
Unfortunately, root canals are a common procedure and is the only way to save a natural tooth once the pulp has become infected. If a root canal is not performed, the solution will be an extraction.
At Riverside Dental Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle and compassionate care that you deserve from your dentist in Loves Park. We collectively focus on making you feel at ease by providing you exceptional care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere. Our team goal is to develop lifelong relationships with our patients by combining the latest dental technology with a professional and caring staff. The result is a beautiful, healthy smile that will last a lifetime. We also emphasize preventive care and patient education because we want you to understand why it is so important to keep your mouth healthy and how to exercise daily hygiene to accomplish it. We are located at 2028 E. Riverside Blvd., Ste 210, Loves Park, IL, 61111. Please call us today at 815-877-4300 to schedule an appointment for an evaluation of the benefits of a root canal for you and your smile.
A root canal is a common dental procedure that involves treating the infected pulp of a tooth. The pulp, which contains living connective tissue, can get infected if a tooth is cracked, or a cavity has advanced to the point where the infection has entered the pulp.
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How Do You Know You Need a Root Canal?
To establish if you might need a root canal, you begin by understanding the symptoms of the infected pulp of a tooth.
Often, it will be obvious that something is wrong when the pulp of a tooth becomes infected. This is because there is a very good chance you will be experiencing quite a bit of discomfort, or even throbbing pain.
Some of the symptoms of an infected tooth pulp include:
- A constant, severe, and throbbing toothache.
- Pain when pressure is applied to the tooth.
- A sudden increase in sensitivity to hot or cold.
- Pain when biting or chewing.
- A swelling with your gums.
- A change in the color or shade of the tooth.
If you encounter any of these symptoms to any degree, we strongly recommend you call for an appointment with Riverside Dental Center as soon as possible.
It is also best to understand why a root canal needs to be performed. Some of these reasons include:
- To stop the spread of infection with the tooth and neighboring tissue.
- To eliminate the painful trauma to the tooth.
- To stop the escalation of tooth decay.
- To address a fracture of the tooth.
- To minimize the effects of a dead nerve in the tooth.
Do not allow the condition to persist. Take care of your infected tooth as soon as possible.
The Root Canal Therapy Procedure
The first step for a root canal is seeing your team at Riverside Dental Center for an immediate examination. At this evaluation we will examine the tooth and identify the problem. If it is simply minor decay, we will remove the decay in the cavity and place a filling. If the pulp is infected, we will determine if we can save the tooth.
Once we agree to continue with a root canal, we begin by first administering a local anesthesia to both relieve and prevent any further discomfort. After the tooth and the surrounding tissue are all adequately numb, we will drill a small hole in the crown of the tooth and remove the pulp from the pulp chamber and the roots. Then we disinfect the entire root canal system of the tooth. When the chamber and the root canals are clean, we fill the entire cleaned system with a rubbery like material. We finish the root canal by sealing the tooth to prevent any further infection. If the tooth has become weakened by a significant amount of decay, Riverside Dental Center may recommend placing a dental crown over the tooth to strengthen and protect the tooth. Most root canals are completed in just one visit.
Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?
The actual root canal procedure to remove the infection is painless in comparison to having the infection in the tooth. Do not allow the anxiety of a root canal procedure prevent you from getting the proper care you need. If you attempt to avoid the root canal, the chances escalate dramatically that the tooth will become damaged to the point where it can no longer be saved. Once this has occurred, your only option will be an extraction. A root canal for a child is called pulpotomy.
Meet Dr. Dimke
Dr. David Dimke is a compassionate and skilled dentist who has been serving patients for over 20 years. As the team dentist for the Rockford IceHogs, he understands the importance of precision and excellence in his work.
Meet Dr. Hermanson
Dr. Joshua Hermanson is a talented dentist who is passionate about helping his patients achieve their best smiles. He has a gentle and caring approach to dentistry and is committed to providing exceptional care to each patient.
Meet Dr. Zammuto
Meet Dr. Peter Zammuto, a passionate dentist who graduated from Midwestern Dental in 2015 and has been providing exceptional dental care for 8 years. He is passionate about helping his patients achieve optimal oral health.
Meet Dr. Konieczki
Dr. Corey Konieczki is a talented and experienced dentist who is passionate about helping his patients achieve healthy and beautiful smiles. He was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois and is proud to serve his local community.
Proper Aftercare Following a Root Canal
There are no special aftercare instructions following a root canal. Call us at Riverside Dental Center if you have any complications after your procedure. If you still notice any pain, any swelling or any pressure that persists for a few days, this could be from a lingering infection. Call us to correct the issue.
You can Avoid Root Canals
Most often, root canals can be avoided with simple proper oral care at home. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and rinsing out your mouth daily, is the foundation in preventing infections and tooth decay. If you have any discomfort with a tooth, make an appointment as soon as possible. Removing a cavity and a corrective dental filling are always better than a root canal.
It is essential to visit Riverside Dental Center every six months. During these regular checkups, we will catch cavities early. We will fill the cavities immediately. This will prevent you from needing a root canal.
Superior Dentistry with A Personal Touch
The entire team at Riverside Dental Center believes that you should have sufficient information to make educated and informed decisions about your oral health, treatment options, and the choice of your dentist in Loves Park. You will find all this essential information on our website, including directions to our Loves Park office, service descriptions, patient forms, patient education resources, and more.
We are located at 2028 E. Riverside Blvd., Ste 210, Loves Park, IL, 61111. Please call us today at 815-877-4300 to schedule an appointment for your dream smile. Let us smile together.